Excellence in Journalism 2017 — a joint effort between the Society of Professional Journalists, the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Native American Journalists Association — was an incredible success. If you attended, spoke, exhibited, performed, volunteered or followed along online, thank you for being part of the big event.

If you couldn't join us, this collection of recaps, photos, session replays (free to all SPJ members) and student news teams coverage is the next best thing to being there.

Description: Join us for a very special session as RTDNA presents Lester Holt with the prestigious Paul White Award. Holt is an award-winning journalist and anchor of NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, the networks flagship broadcast and one of Americas most-watched evening newscasts. Hear directly from Holt about his remarkable career and the current state of journalism. The Paul White Award is RTDNAs highest honor and recognizes an individuals lifetime contributions to broadcast or digital journalism.

In addition, RTDNA presented the John F. Hogan Distinguished Service Award to CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent, Jake Tapper. Tapper currently hosts a one-hour weekday program, The Lead with Jake Tapper, which debuted in March 2013, and has hosted CNNs Sunday morning show, State of the Union, since 2015. This award is named for the founder and first president of RTDNA and recognizes an individuals contribution to the journalism profession and freedom of the press.

Description: Washington Post Editor Marty Baron may have said it best: "Were not 'at war,' but were 'at work' with the Trump administration." So how's it working? How are journalists in the daily thick of White House and national political coverage able to work in a noticeably more tense and more publicly hostile environment? How are the Trump administration's attacks on the press shaping coverage? Is this truly a unique and unprecedented time for the press, or is the acrimonious relationship between president and press just more amplified? Does the answer matter to the American public?

Description: President George W. Bush wanted to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Two presidential administrations later, what has changed  and what hasnt  in the legal, political and news media landscapes? The topic of immigration is so broad and touches so many facets of life in the United States, its no wonder having a conversation about immigration and refugee communities isnt a small task. All journalists, working in every medium and every type of beat, need to understand that just because their job title doesnt include immigration or refugee, they wont cover the topics in some way. Understanding how big and important the topics are is the first step in being a more informed, accurate and compassionate journalist.

Description: This annual session is where attendees "get their geek on" by sharing information and asking questions about the latest tech innovations and how they can be used by journalists. What will we talk about this year? VR Journalism? Drones? Photogrammetry? Come for an informal, engaging, interactive session where we strip out the formality and chat about all the cool stuff going on in tech and journalism  and why its such a fun time to work in it.

Description: Investigative podcasts had great success in 2016, with the Cincinnati Enquirer's "Accused: The Unsolved Murder of Elizabeth Andes" helping to lead the pack. This how-to session will walk attendees through examining whether a news story of any type in any medium has the potential to be turned into a serialized podcast and explore some of the lessons learned producing "Accused," which spent more than a week at No. 1 on iTunes' podcast chart

Description: Who would have ever thought that wed be covering demonstrations with neo-Nazis chanting blood and soil in 2017? In the wake of Charlottesville, U.S. journalists are brushing up on their knowledge of such groups. As journalists, how do we ensure even-handed coverage of clashes between white nationalist and antifa groups? And how does our love of the First Amendment guide us in covering public incidents where hateful speech may be repressed? Where does speech end and violence begin? Experts on this panel will explain the long history of these conflicts in American society, and why it matters today.

Description: As the compensation model for working journalists continues to shift from salary and work made for hire agreements, to compensation that's largely based on online metrics, so too must our approach to getting paid. Forget what you think you know about promoting yourself. It's time to platform! The simple fact of the matter is more publishers are demanding that you become a brand unto yourself, and there's no better way to be seen and heard than through the building and proper feeding of your own platform.

Description: Come get an update on tactics used by the Trump administration and state/local governments to thwart journalists from getting information. In addition, get practical tips for overcoming those roadblocks.

Trainers: David Cuillier (@DavidCuillier), director, University of Arizona School of Journalism; Seth Rosenfeld (@SethRosenfeld), investigative reporter

Description: Some say it cant be done; this session proves them wrong. Others dont know where to start; we'll show the way. We'll dissect stories of experienced investigative journalists to reveal their techniques for gaining access, navigating legal complexities and funding investigative work without the level of newsroom support that comes with a staff position. We'll give ample time for audience questions, which attendees are encouraged to send in advance to eij@nilesmedia.com. It will be relevant for new and experienced journalists and freelancers alike. You may pick up investigative techniques, but PLEASE NOTE: This is not a session about how to conduct investigative reporting. We'll focus on how to do investigative reporting *as* a freelancer.

Description: When do you stop being a journalist and help with rescue efforts? What is the line between showing peoples struggles and exploiting their plight? How do you keep focused when your own home and family are being affected by the storm? And how do you ensure your own safety out in the field? These are the questions facing journalists tasked with covering hurricanes, tornadoes and other stormsmost recently Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Panelists share their experiences and offer advice on best practices.

Description: The aftermath of the 2016 election raised challenges for journalists on all levels on how to respond. Learn how CUNY J-Schools NYCity News Service quickly created a high-impact digital news project  and pick up some tips for your own ventures. Join the team behind The Hate Index (hateindex.com), a searchable database tracking post-election intolerance, for a wide-ranging session on everything from production to promotion.

Description: Never before has the press been under such scrutiny, and while the professional media are rallying to protect their enterprise, student media are more vulnerable than ever. We'll introduce you to New Voices legislationstate bills designed to protect student freedom of expressionand asks you to join in our fight to protect student voices. Well show you how legislation has successfully passed and what you can do to support the initiative in your state.

Description: This non-technical session will provide journalists with a practical understanding of cybersecurity terminology and deeper perspective for reporting on cybersecurity issues. Topics will include how attacks happen and why, cybersecurity and national security, cyber warfare, the Internet of Things (IOT), and threats to critical infrastructure.

Description: In 2007, the University of Southern California hired Dr. Carmen Puliafito, a renowned eye surgeon educated at Harvard, to attract talent and money as dean of its Keck School of Medicine. In March of 2016, Puliafito resigned his $1.1-million-a-year deans post, saying he wanted to explore other opportunities. On July 17, 2017, the Los Angeles Times published the real story of the rise and fall of Dr. Puliafito: The superstar rainmaker led a secret life with a circle of criminals and drug users who said he used methamphetamine and other drugs with them. In this session, Times journalists discuss the traditional (and less-traditional) records they used to build the story.

Description: Social media is a significant investment of time and resources for journalists. In this session, come learn specific skills to multiply your efforts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms, to grow your audience and engagement more quickly. Your trainers are a news manager/executive and a major-market anchor, both of whom are long-time passionate social media students and teachers.